Watercolor Techniques for Realistic Snowy Trees & Bushes

Step 10: Using The “Lost And Found” Technique For Snow

Mix Ultramarine Deep, Burnt Umber, and Payne’s Grey to the color used for the branches, then with the size 4 brush, paint the branches inside the bush. You can make the line “skip” to give the impression of snow lying on top, or soften the lines with a clean brush and dabbing excess water with a paper towel. This is what Steve calls the “lost and found” technique, where you place something very dark against something very light to drastically increase the contrast in a painting (something that can also be achieved by painting negatively). When you’re satisfied, add any finishing touches to the shadows, such as more intense blue or even a little Opera pink to reflect the color of a sunset sky. Make the painting interesting in your own way, and when you’re done, leave the painting to dry. Congratulations—you did it!

Like watercolor painting?

There's more to art than watercolor painting. Art is all around you. Just look around and draw what you see. Use your sketchbook frequently. Familiarize yourself with drawing materials and art concepts such as perspective, values, composition, design principles, and the golden spiral.

This site is designed to help you start and continue your artistic life. Take your time and study the reference sections in our Learning Center, a mini online art school. Learn the basics of color theory or find out how to sharpen a pencil with a knife. Then ask questions and surf the web for answers. Find more answers in books, in museums, and in yourself. This site is constantly being updated with more answers and we hope to see you again.